1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “匹” (pronounced “hiki” or “pitsu”) is used to count small animals, particularly those that are not large, such as dogs, cats, and other similar creatures. It is a counter word in Japanese, indicating the number of these animals.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “匹” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of a small animal with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “匹” is “毛” (meaning “fur” or “hair”), which relates to the idea of small animals that have fur.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 一匹 (ippiki) – one small animal
- 三匹 (sanbiki) – three small animals
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 猫が一匹います。 (Neko ga ippiki imasu.) – There is one cat.
- 犬が三匹遊んでいます。 (Inu ga sanbiki asonde imasu.) – Three dogs are playing.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 頭 (tou) – a counter for large animals like cows and horses.
- 羽 (wa) – a counter for birds.
Antonyms:
- 大 (dai) – meaning “big” or “large,” which contrasts with the small animals counted by “匹.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The use of “匹” reflects the Japanese affinity for animals, especially pets, and the importance of counting them accurately in daily life.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there are no specific proverbs that use “匹,” the counting of animals is often a part of conversations about pets and nature in Japanese culture.